In a recent conversation with ABC7 Chicago, Indiana Governor Mike Braun shared his growing optimism about the possibility of the Chicago Bears establishing their new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.
Speaking candidly, Governor Braun expressed a strong sense of confidence that the Hoosier state might soon welcome the Bears. While he is cautious not to jump to conclusions prematurely, his optimism about Hammond in Northwest Indiana as a potential location for the Bears’ new home is evident.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The governor was in Merrillville attending the Indiana Business Hall of Fame inductions, where he addressed a topic that has captured the interest of many local business leaders and residents: the potential arrival of the Bears.
“I might venture to say that Hammond could host a good, better, best stadium,” Braun remarked, hinting at the exciting possibilities.
Governor Braun also noted that the Bears’ ownership, the McCaskey family, has visited the governor’s mansion in Indianapolis several times. He has used these opportunities to promote Indiana as a prime destination, highlighting the state’s AAA credit rating as a significant advantage.
Governor Braun says the McCaskeys have been to the governor’s mansion in Indianapolis on several occasions, and he’s had plenty of opportunity to sell the Hoosier state to the Bears ownership group. One selling point is Indiana’s AAA credit rating.
“You’ll get a lot more stadium for the amount of money you invest. And with the vitality and business atmosphere of what you can get coming into Hammond,” Braun said.
Indiana state lawmakers passed legislation in late February to pave the way for the Bears to build their new stadium in Hammond near Wolf Lake. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed at NFL meetings Tuesday that the Bears are only looking at two possible stadium sites, Hammond and Arlington Heights.
READ MORE | Goodell appears to emphasize two viable sites for new Bears stadium are Arlington Heights, Hammond
While Goodell said he has spoken with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Braun says his communications have been with the Bears ownership, and he says he believes they appreciate the speed and efficiency of doing business in Indiana as opposed to Illinois.
“So often you get entangled where government is involved,” Braun said. “Speed is not a word you associate with it.”
Meanwhile, the Illinois legislative session is getting down to the wire with just over a week left. The Illinois Senate has not yet voted on the “mega-projects” bill, which the Bears say is essential to them staying in the state of Illinois.
The measure that would pave the way for an Arlington Heights stadium is opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and some Chicago legislators who want the team in the city.
“You know, I’m hopeful that the people who want to tank the bill are not successful,” Gov. Pritzker said.
“If it doesn’t happen… it will be a very dark day for Illinois, and I think that the Bears will be really, really challenged with staying in Illinois,” Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said.
Braun says the ease with which Indiana has moved is something the Bears will consider in its decision.
“The Illinois legislature has been in session for a long time and really has not come up with anything that looks like it’s gonna be what they’re looking for,” Braun said. “I think the merits of where would you want to be long-term, I think that’s what in my mind, if I were in their shoes, I’d be putting a lot of emphasis on that.”
Governor Braun says he believes the Bears will be finished with their due diligence work on the Hammond site soon. He’s expecting an announcement on where the team plans to build in the next three or four weeks..
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
